Pawpaw
Habitat & ClimateThis
is where Pawpaws will grow.They
are adapted to a wide area!

In the
map above, the native range of the Pawpaw tree is shown in PURPLE,
and the area in which temperatures are suitable for its growth
are in GREEN.
The boundaries are intentionally imprecise, because of local
microclimatic variability.
In the GREEN areas,
Pawpaw trees can grow, but may not bear fruit if conditions
are otherwise sub optimal. See Climate,
below.

Pawpaws are native to the
region in the South Eastern USA, shown as the second green color
on this map. Given enough water and a suitable temperature range,
however, Pawpaws will grow in many other parts of the world.

HabitatThe Pawpaw, Asimina triloba, is the largest edible wild
fruit native to the USA, occurring naturally in moist, shady places
in most of the eastern half of the USA, from the Gulf Coastal
plain to the Great Lakes, and from lower New England, to the edge
of the southwestern plains. They are seldom found near the Atlantic
or Gulf coasts. The Pawpaw's preferred habitat is rich, moist
bottomland, but will also grow on other sites that are well~drained
and sunny or partly shaded. Within their native range, they can
be found almost anywhere from river bottoms to hill tops. The
soil should be slightly acid (pH 5.5~7), deep, fertile, and well~drained.
Good drainage is essential to success. Pawpaws will not thrive
in heavy soil or waterlogged soil. They will grow in USDA zones
5A through 9.
(Please refer to theUSDA
Plant Hardiness Zone Map.)

ClimatePawpaw trees do well in humid continental climates, similar
to their native range. They require warm to hot summers, with
at least 160 frost~free days; mild to cold winters, with a minimum
of 400 hours of winter chill. Although the trees will grow with
less winter chill, they may not fruit. And a minimum of 32 inches
(81 cm) of rainfall mainly in spring and summer.
Pawpaw trees do not like low humidity, dry winds and cool maritime
summers.
They can withstand temperatures of -25° F (-32°C), while
dormant.